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How To Capitalize in Excel

Sep 28, 2024

✅ Quick Summary: How to Capitalize in Excel

To capitalize in excel, use built-in functions based on your goal: use =UPPER(cell) for all caps in excel, =PROPER(cell) to capitalize the first letter in excel words, or =LOWER(cell) for lowercase. Unlike Microsoft Word, Excel requires a formula or the Flash Fill (Ctrl + E) shortcut to change text case. For large datasets, how to make all caps in excel is most efficiently handled by applying the formula to a new column and using Paste Special > Values to replace the original data. This guide covers these essential formulas, shortcuts, and troubleshooting tips to ensure your spreadsheet data is perfectly formatted every time.

Excel Case Conversion Cheat Sheet

Use this quick reference table to determine which function you need to change to all caps excel or capitalize first letter in excel cells.

Function Formula Original (A2) Result
UPPER =UPPER(A2) simple sheets SIMPLE SHEETS
LOWER =LOWER(A2) SIMPLE SHEETS simple sheets
PROPER =PROPER(A2) simple sheets Simple Sheets

Do you need to quickly capitalize text in Excel?

Unlike Microsoft Word, Excel doesn’t offer a direct button for capitalization. However, there are simple ways to get it done. You can capitalize names, titles, or any other data. You will know how to capitalize in Excel like a pro at the end of this article.

Capitalizing in Excel Using the UPPER Function

You can use the excel uppercase function to quickly excel capitalize all text in a column. It won't affect the original data. Here's how to change to all caps in excel using the UPPER function:

1. Select a new column: Choose an empty column next to the data. For example, select column D to hold the capitalized version of the names.

Excel spreadsheet highlighting a blank Column D to prepare for uppercase conversion.

2. Enter the UPPER function: In cell D2, type =UPPER(A2) and click Enter. This excel all caps step converts the name "john doe" from cell A2 to "JOHN DOE".

Excel formula bar showing the UPPER function being applied to cell A2.

3. Apply the formula to the entire column: Drag the small square at the bottom-right corner of cell D2 downwards to apply the formula to the other rows.

Using the fill handle to apply the uppercase formula down an entire Excel column.

4. Copy and paste as values: Copy the capitalized text. Right-click on the original column A, select Paste Special, choose Values, and press OK. This change to all caps excel step replaces original text with static capitalized text.

Paste Special dialog box in Excel with the Values option selected to remove formulas.

5. Delete the extra column: You can now safely delete column D. You can easily undo any mistake you make.

Capitalizing in Excel Using the PROPER Function

This is the standard way to capitalize first letter in excel words for names and titles.

1. Select the target cell: Click an empty cell next to the first name (e.g., cell D2).

2. Enter the PROPER formula: Type =PROPER(A2) and press Enter. Excel will change "john doe" to "John Doe".

The PROPER function in Excel capitalizing the first letter of each word in a cell.

3. Apply to the rest of the column: Drag the fill handle down from D2.

Applying the PROPER formula across multiple rows in an Excel spreadsheet.

4. Copy the results: Select the cells and press Ctrl + C.

Copying a selection of cells that have been capitalized using the PROPER function.

5. Paste values into the original column: Select column A, right-click, and choose Paste Special > Values.

Pasting the properly capitalized values back into the original column using Paste Special.

6. Delete the extra column: After replacing the data, you can delete the temporary column.

Quickest Method: Excel Make All Caps with Flash Fill

If you don't want to use formulas, how to make text all caps in excel results can be achieved via Flash Fill. Type "JOHN DOE" in B2 if A2 is "john doe." Press Enter, then Ctrl + E. This is the fastest capitalize in excel shortcut.

Capitalizing in Excel Using VBA Macro

For large datasets, use this how to capitalize all letters in excel macro:

1. Open the VBA editor: Press Alt + F11.

2. Insert a new module: Go to Insert > Module.

3. Write the macro: Copy and paste the following code:

Sub CapitalizeText()
    For Each cell In Selection
        If Not cell.HasFormula Then
            cell.Value = UCase(cell.Value)
        End If
    Next cell
End Sub

Excel VBA editor window with the code to automatically capitalize selected text.

4. Run the macro: Select your cells, press Alt + F8, and click Run.

Convert Text Using an All Caps Font

1. Select the range: Highlight the cells.

2. Open Format Cells: Press Ctrl + 1.

Format Cells dialog box in Excel focusing on the Font tab.

3. Choose Font: Select COPPERPLATE GOTHIC BOLD or CASTELLAR and click OK.

Font selection list in Excel showing various all-caps font styles.

Troubleshooting: Why is Excel Not Capitalizing?

If you are struggling with excel make text all caps tasks, check these issues:

  • Leading Spaces: Use =UPPER(TRIM(A2)) to remove hidden spaces.
  • Numbers formatted as Text: Formulas won't change numbers.
  • Circular References: Don't put the formula in the same cell as the data.

Final Thoughts on "How To Capitalize in Excel"

The best way to excel make all caps depends on your needs. UPPER is efficient, while VBA macros automate bulk tasks.

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FAQ on "How To Capitalize in Excel"

1. How to capitalize first letter in excel words?
Use the PROPER function: =PROPER(A1).

2. Is there an excel all caps shortcut?
Yes, type one example and use Ctrl + E (Flash Fill).

3. Is excel capitalized?
Yes, "Excel" is a proper noun and should be capitalized.

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